Airbus builds highly-capable freighters and airlifters to fulfill a full range of cargo lift requirements. The A330-200F is the only new-generation cargo aircraft available today that meets operations’ needs in the mid-size, long-haul segment. For A330s that have completed their useful operational service as passenger jetliners, the A330P2F freighter conversion option offers a solution that is both cost-effective and highly-efficient.

For the airlift of oversized cargo loads, Airbus operates a fleet of A300-600ST Beluga Super Transporters that support the manufacturing flow within the company’s European production network – operated by the Airbus Transport International affiliate.

To accommodate the sustained output of commercial jetliners, and to support the A350 XWB ramp-up and other production increases, the BelugaXL super transporter will enter service during the second half of 2019 – with six aircraft succeeding five previous-generation Beluga A300-600 ST currently in service.

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The BelugaXL flew to Airbus’ industrial facility in Bremen, German to undergo a number of tests before the airlifter begins operations at the end of 2019; on its way, the aircraft performed a fly-past of the Airbus site in Hamburg, Germany and overflew Airbus’ plant in the German city of Stade.

The new-generation BelugaXL airlifter landed at Bremen, Germany – one of the Airbus assembly network facilities it will serve after entering service

The no.1 BelugaXL taxis in at Airbus’ Bremen, Germany facility on 14 November 2018 during its first arrival at the industrial site

At 63 metres in length, the “smiling” BelugaXL is about seven metres longer than the previous-generation airlifters of its kind currently in service with Airbus – the Beluga ST

Airbus’ no. 1 BelugaXL airlifter lands at the company’s Bremen, Germany industrial facility, where it will perform loading and unloading tests as part of the airlifter’s validation and certification process

On its way to Bremen, Germany for its first visit, the no.1 BelugaXL performed a fly-past of Airbus’ facility in Hamburg – which will be an integral part of its airlift rotations once in service; the aircraft also overflew the Airbus plant in Stade

While at Airbus’ Bremen, Germany facility, the BelugaXL will perform loading and unloading tests as part of its validation and certification procedure

Airbus’ oversize freighter Beluga on the runway

The BelugaXL’s maiden flight – which began and concluded at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport on 19 July 2018 – initiated a certification campaign that will lead to this next-generation oversize airlifter’s service entry in 2019

Preparing for the BelugaXL first flight is Laurent Lapierre, Flight Test Engineer

BelugaXL MSN1824 rolling out of Paint Shop
The first BelugaXL oversize cargo airlifter shows off its special Beluga whale-inspired livery, which was selected by Airbus employees, after rolling out of paint shop.

The no. 1 BelugaXL oversize cargo airlifter received its distinctive livery at the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France

Derived from the freighter version of Airbus’ A330-200 jetliner, the BelugaXL is six metres longer, one metre wider and has a payload lifting capacity four-tonnes-greater than the current Beluga A300-600ST

Airbus’ BelugaXL became even more recognisable with the addition of beluga whale-inspired eyes and an enthusiastic grin to its distinctly-shaped airframe

BelugaXL MSN1824 rolling out of Paint Shop
The first BelugaXL oversize cargo airlifter shows off its special Beluga whale-inspired livery, which was selected by Airbus employees, after rolling out of paint shop.

The BelugaXL was launched in November 2014 to address the transport and ramp-up capacity requirements for Airbus beyond 2019

The BelugaXL’s distinctive paint scheme, which features beluga whale-inspired eyes and an enthusiastic grin, was selected by Airbus employees in a company-wide vote